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Puzzle 0115

This problem was composed by Grant in 1924. White to play and mate in two.

The Solution All Black's moves allow immediate mate, for example if the d1-knight moves, then Bb2, or if the e3-knight moves then Qc2. Finally, 1...c3 allows 2 Nb3 mate. A waiting move would solve the problem, but there are no waiting moves, for example 1 Kh1? Nf2+, 1 Kh2? Nf1+, 1 Rg2? Nf2 or 1 Qg6? Nf5. The composer has arranged it so that the solver's natural inclination to preserve the existing mates leads to a dead end, and only some lateral thinking can provide the answer. White must retain control of b1, or else ...Kb1 prevents a mate, so it isn't too hard to find this move, even though it gives up all the mates already prepared. Qb7! Now Black's moves are answered by a completely new set of mates, if the d1-knight moves, then 2 Qb2 (instead of 2 Bb2), if the e3-knight moves, then 2 Rc2 (instead of 2 Qc2) and finally if 1...c3, then 2 Nd3 (instead of Nb3).

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